PM NEWS
The World Bank has halted new lending to the Ugandan government after concluding that its anti-LGBTQ law, condemned by Western countries and the United Nations, contradicts the bank’s values.
In response, Uganda dismissed the move as unjust and hypocritical.
A World Bank team traveled to Uganda immediately after the law was enacted in May and determined that additional measures were needed to ensure projects were being implemented in line with the bank’s environmental and social standards.
“No new public financing to Uganda will be presented to our Board of Executive Directors until the efficacy of the additional measures has been tested,” the bank said in a statement, adding that such measures were now under discussion with Ugandan authorities.
“Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act fundamentally contradicts the World Bank Group’s values. We believe our vision to eradicate poverty on a livable planet can only succeed if it includes everyone irrespective of race, gender, or sexuality,” the bank said.
“We remain committed to helping all Ugandans – without exception – escape poverty, access vital services, and improve their lives.”
World Bank President Ajay Banga, who took office in June after the Ugandan law was enacted, has come under pressure to respond to the Ugandan law…
